Store-Bought vs Custom Mouth Guard Cost: A Breakdown For Athletes

If you’re an athlete, you know how crucial it is to protect your smile while you're out on the field, court or rink. Mouth guards are a staple in sports safety but when it comes to choosing between store-bought and custom options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

In general, store-bought mouth guards are typically more affordable and convenient but they often fall short in terms of fit and protection. On the other hand, custom-made mouth guards offer tailored comfort but come with a higher price tag. Let’s break down the costs and benefits of each so you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and budget.

What is a mouth guard and why is it important for athletes?

Mouth guards for sports (also known as sports guards or sport mouth guards) are protective devices for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums to prevent and reduce injuries. Mouth guards play a vital role in protecting your teeth from damage, especially if you suffer from jaw muscle strain, grinding, and clenching.

These oral appliances are typically constructed from a thermoplastic material. It is an essential piece of sports equipment for athletes participating in physical activities that carry a significant risk of dental injury, such as football, basketball, hockey, boxing and soccer.

The primary reason mouth guards are important for athletes is to offer maximum protection during impact sports. The guard acts as a buffer for blows that could otherwise result in broken teeth and injuries to the lips, face, jaws and jaw joints. They can dramatically decrease the severity and incidence of injuries and helps to protect mouth from injury.

Store-bought mouth guards provide some level of protection. However, custom mouth guards made by dental professionals offer the best fit, comfort and optimal protection. Thus, using a properly fitted mouth guard can be a crucial prevention strategy for athletes, helping to preserve their oral health as well as to ward off potentially costly dental treatments.

Click here to see how to choose the right athletic mouth guards for sports.

What are the types of mouth guards for sports?

Mouth guards for sports can be categorised into three main types.

1) Over-the-counter mouth guards

Over-the-counter (OTC) mouth guards are stock items that come pre-formed and ready to wear. The stock mouth guards offer basic protection and are relatively inexpensive compared to the other types, making them a quick and accessible option for immediate use.

2) Boil-and-bite mouth guards

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a type of over-the-counter mouthguard that provide a middle ground between stock mouth guards and custom versions. They are made of a thermoplastic material. These mouthguards become malleable when placed in hot water, after which they are bitten into, thus making indentations of teeth.

3) Custom mouth guards

In Singapore, custom-made mouth guards are crafted using an impression of your teeth, ensuring a perfect fit. They are also beneficial for managing conditions like sleep apnea and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. This custom-fit option is fabricated from accurate molds taken by dental professionals at a dental clinic. Made from durable materials, they distribute the force of direct impacts effectively.

While they are the most costly of all the types, the level of protection, ability to communicate clearly, and comfort they offer make them a worthwhile investment, especially for athletes engaged in any kind of sports.

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Properties of Store-Bought Mouth Guards for Sports

The store-bought type of mouthguard consists of over-the-counter and boil-and-bite mouth guards. They are affordable and easily availabile online and at most sporting goods stores. The cost of mouth guards that can be store-bought starts from as low as $5!

Pros

1. Affordability: The most significant advantage is the price. Store-bought guards are much cheaper than custom ones, making them accessible for athletes on a tight budget.
2. Immediate Availability: You can pick one up right before your game or practice, without needing an appointment or wait time.

Cons

1. One-Size-Fits-All: These guards are generally pre-formed and not designed to fit the unique shape of your mouth. This can lead to discomfort and may not offer the best protection.
2. Uncomfortable: May not stay in place during sports activities, potentially causing difficulty in speaking or breathing.
3. Limited Durability: Store-bought guards are often made from less durable materials and may not last as long, especially with frequent use.
4. Less Effective Protection: Due to their generic fit, they may not provide as much protection as a custom sports guard, leaving your teeth and jaws more vulnerable.

Properties of Custom Mouth Guards for Sports

These types of mouthguards are made specifically for your mouth by dental professionals in dental clinics using detailed impressions. They usually come with a higher price tag, typically starting from $500.

Pros

1. Perfect Fit: Custom fit guards are made to fit the exact shape of your mouth, which means they’re provide optimal comfort and are less likely to shift during intense activities.
2. Enhanced Protection: Custom-fitted mouth guards provide excellent protection against impacts and injuries, reducing the risk of dental damage and jaw pains.
3. Long-Term Durability: Custom guards are made from high-quality material and is built to last for a long time, even when used regularly.
4. Personalisation: You can often choose from different colours and designs, adding a personal touch to your gear.

Cons

1. Higher Cost: The price can be a significant factor. However, many athletes consider it a worthwhile investment given the increased comfort and protection.
2. Time-Consuming: Getting custom-made mouth guards involves a visit to the dentist for impressions and a follow-up appointment to pick up the finished product. This process takes a bit more time compared to grabbing a store-bought option off the shelf.

Comparative cost analysis: So, is a custom mouth guard worth it?

When you’re buying a mouth guard for sports, you need to compare the costs of store-bought ones and custom options. Counter mouthguards are cheaper and you can grab them easily from a store. They’re fabricated from a thermoplastic material, made to fit most people but might not fit perfectly.

On the other hand, a custom-made mouthguard is more expensive because they’re made just for you. Your dentist takes a mold of your teeth, and then the mouth guard is made in a dental laboratory. It fits your mouth perfectly and offers optimal protection against dental injury and soft tissue damage.

When deciding, think about these things amongst your oral health needs—

• Durability: How long will it last?
• Comfort: How well does it fit and feel?
• Protection: How good is it at keeping your teeth and mouth safe?
  
  

Why should I invest in a custom mouth guard for sports?

The initial investment in a custom-made mouthguard might appear to be steep; however, when assessing its long-term value, it proves to be cost-efficient.

• Custom mouthguards are durable and provide a precise fit, offering maximum protection against dental injuries, which could otherwise result in expensive dental treatments.
• Their effectiveness in distributing the force of impact during sports minimises the likelihood of oral health complications.
• The comfort they afford users also leads to better compliance with wearing the guard.
• Night guards are handy for reducing wear and tear on your teeth and alleviating jaw pain caused by these habits.
• Additionally, the higher-quality materials used in custom mouthguards often mean they need to be replaced less frequently than their over-the-counter counterparts, further contributing to their cost-effectiveness over time.

Conclusion

In summary, while store-bought mouth guards are more affordable and immediately available, custom-fitted mouthguards offer optimal fit, better protection and longer durability. Your choice depends on your specific needs, budget and how often you use the mouth guard. Either way, protecting your smile is crucial, so make sure you choose the option that works best for you and your dental health. By using a mouth guard, you can safeguard your teeth and jaw from long-term damage.

Looking to book a consultation appointment for a custom sports guard at our dental clinic? Just drop us a message here and we will be right with you!

References

1. Newsome, P. R. H., Tran, D. C., & Cooke, M. S. (2001). The role of the mouthguard in the prevention of sports‐related dental injuries: a review. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry, 11(6), 396-404.
2. Roberts, H. W. (2023). Sports mouthguard overview: materials, fabrication techniques, existing standards, and future research needs. Dental traumatology, 39(2), 101-108.